JMJ MARIST BROTHERS NOTRE DAME OF DADIANGAS UNIVERSITY GENERAL SANTOS CITY Physics 202 Name: _______________________________ Course

& Year:________________________ Instructors Initial:_____________ Group Number:_______________

EXPERIMENT NO. 1 VECTOR ADDITION Theory Physical quantities may be classified as either a scalar or a vector. Scalar is a quantity that has magnitude only. Operations performed on them usually familiar rules of algebraic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. A vector is a quantity with magnitude, direction and usually a unit of measure.

Introduction The sum of two or more vectors can be obtained by using the methods namely the graphical method (or the tail-to-tail method) and the component method. a. Graphical Method Graphically, a vector is represented by a directed line segment with an arrowhead on one end. The length of the line is directly proportional to the magnitude and the arrowhead and specifies the direction of the vector. Steps in Graphical Method: 1. Choose an appropriate scale and frame of reference for the given vectors 2. Draw the first vector starting from the origin of the reference frame. Draw the second vector starting from the head of the first vector, and draw the third vector from the head of the second vector. All vectors must be connected in series, headto-tail fashion. This is done using a pencil, and a ruler. Use a protractor in measuring its direction. b. Component Method In this method, each vector is resolved into horizontal and vertical components. The algebraic sum of horizontal components of all the vectors is Rx while the algebraic sum of vertical components of all vectors is Ry. The magnitude and direction of the resultant vector is computed by the formula

Objectives To determine experimentally the magnitude and direction of the resultant of the system of vectors using the graphical and component method.

Equipments/Materials Needed Procedure 1. Using a graphing paper and basing from the data given by the instructor, plot and connect the vectors using scale (10cm : 50 grams) and draw the resultant vector. Vector 1. (50 grams 90 degrees) Vector 2. (120 grams 330 degrees) Vector 3. (70 grams 225 degrees) 2. 3. 4. 5. Measure the angle and the magnitude of the resultant vector. Repeat the procedure using another set of data. Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant using the component method. Compare the results between the graphical method and component method. Triangles Graphing paper Pencil Protractor Ruler Calculator

Data and Results

Component Method (First set): 50 grams 90 degrees; 120 grams 330 degrees; 70 grams 225 degrees Vector Magnitude Direction x-component y-component Vector 1 Vector 2 Vector 3 Summation

Component Method (Second set):80 N (45 degrees); 100 N (120 degrees); 50 N (240 degrees) Vector Magnitude Direction x-component y-component Vector 1 Vector 2 Vector 3 Summation

Questions 1. Discuss the results using graphical and component method.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these two methods of determining the resultant of system of vectors.

Prepared by: Engr. Mary Rose G. Tabao